Wednesday, February 26, 2014

As previously mentioned here, I joined a fantastic body positivity workshop hosted by Leah over at JustMeLeah.co.uk. I missed the first two segments because I found out about it after it had already begun. I decided to make up the prior segments because I think they are essential to the process.

I thought that it would be fairly simple to write this piece, but actually it wasn’t. It was emotional. Each time I gave it serious and deep thought, and then began to write, I would feel sadness. I thought to myself, ‘Where is this sadness coming from?’ I think I know the answer. It was the realization of how I truly feel. I feel that when I was growing up, I was ill-equipped to appreciate and understand my personal self-worth. I decided to write a letter to my body in the past, from the future.

Dear body,

I write this letter to you from the future. Whenever you need to, pull me out, and read me. Always believe that you are beautiful, that you have value, and that you are a gift.

You will be viewed as physically unattractive by some people because you don’t fall into a certain weight range, because your hips are wider, because your legs are bigger, and even because you are covered in brown skin.

Despite how you are viewed by others, you will learn to value yourself. Everything about you is unique, beautiful, and wonderfully designed. You will discover that everyone was not created to be the exact same size, to look the exact same way, or to have the exact same body shape. Endeavor to embrace the things about you that are different. From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, each facet of you is a gift. Treasure the gift that is uniquely you.

Let me tell you about you. You have full, thick, curly and wavy hair. Your skin is a beautiful hue of brown, and in the summer seasons it develops a glow. You have five fingers and five toes. You are shaped similar to a dewdrop, wider on the bottom than you are on the top. You have relatively good health as a child, and during your adult years. Your heart has no irregularities, and all of your organs work harmoniously together. You enjoy 20/20 vision, relatively good hearing, and almost perfect taste buds. You bruise easily, but your bruises heal and eventually fade. Your arms and legs work just fine, and for 30+ years you will not suffer from any disabilities.

Body, recognize that you are but a shell, or a vessel for the true person that resides within. Genuine beauty comes from that source, and radiates outwardly. Whenever you feel shunned, degraded, and even rejected by others because of your appearance, remind yourself:

You are beautiful, you have value, and you are a gift.

Love,

Me

This was a clarifying exercise for me, and I am happy that I decided to complete it.

Monday, February 24, 2014

I mentioned on Instagram a few weeks back that I found a pair of sole mates via Michael Kors in Las Vegas.

Background:I've been pondering what new style goals I would like to set for myself. I have not completed my list as of yet, but there is one that I decided on almost instantly: I will invest in shoes. What? You need shoes?' Not exactly. I will admit, I currently have over 100 pairs of shoes. No matter how many I donate and give away, the numbers seem to keep creeping back up. Nonetheless, I have noticed that I often purchase shoes because they are well made, a deeply discounted price, or may match an ensemble in my closet. Sounds good, right? Well, not so much. You see, I have lost a part of myself in bargain shopping. In what sense? In the sense that at times, I do not purchase what I absolutely love. I purchase items simply because they are there, and the price is right. I can recall back in the day, I invested in shoes. I'd see a pair of fabulousness in a department store and instantly know: I HAD to have them. I did not limit myself to purchasing shoes based on what was on sale. Decision: This year I will exercise more self-control. I will not allow myself to be blinded by shoes that are deeply reduced in price. Rather, I will patiently wait for shoes that truly fit my needs and wants, and I will invest in them.Fast forward: I'm flipping through a magazine (can't remember which one because I get too many in the mail via frequent-flyer miles) and I spot a pair of Michael Kors ankle strap heels. Not quite a pump, not quite a bootie. What?! I had heart palpitations (not really, but you get the idea). I said to myself: 'These are a pair of shoes that I would not feel guilty about investing in.'Fast forward again: We're in Vegas earlier this month, celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary (see here). I just so happened to spot the exact pair of Michael Kors shoes that I saw in the magazine! The color is right. The size is right. The price is less than I expected. I take the plunge.

When I say I could not wait to wear these babies, that's exactly what I mean. To date, I've worn them several times, you know, just to break them in. =)

This go round I paired them with all black. I'm a newbie to the "All Black Everything" philosophy (see here and here), and I must admit, it's growing on me!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Over the weekend I
stopped by a local Nordstrom Rack to check out their #ClearTheRack sale. Actually,
I almost forgot about it, but thankfully my husband reminded me and we stopped by
after Sunday brunch. I’m so glad that we did! Why? Well, all clearance items were an
additional 25% off! By now I’m sure that you know I am a thrifty enthusiast! I absolutely
delight in good deal! I managed to pick up a pair of metallic oxfords that I’ve
had my eye on for quite some time. It’s not that they were super expensive or
anything; it’s just that I was a little unsure as to how they would tie in with
my current wardrobe. I wanted to try them out, but didn’t necessarily want to
invest in a pair. Well, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait J

I was thrilled with the rock bottom price that I got them for!

Once I got them home, I set about searching through my closet to see what I’d wear them with first.

Here’s what I decided on:

﻿

I paired
them with black socks, and an a-line skirt. It seems like I’ve been on a black & white
kick for the past year or so. I added a statement necklace to pull out the
silver in the oxfords, and my Little Minka handbag for a pop of color.

I added a
pair of 60’s themed sunnies to complete the look.

I was pleased
with the outcome!

Added bonus: I got a lot of stares at the office, which always means that I’m
on the right track-LOL!

Over to you,
do you like the oxfords trend with skirts and or dresses? How do you style your
oxfords?

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Hey there! As a confessed thrifter, I decided to introduce a new feature on the blog: "Thrift Store Score". "Thrift Store Score" will feature some of the outstanding finds that I have obtained while thrift store shopping. The reasons vary as to why, and what I consider to be an outstanding score. Some background info: Why do I thrift?I've thought long and hard as to why I enjoy thrifting so much. There are several main reasons:I prefer vintage pieces not only because I like the style, but also the fact that they are not easily obtained. That means I won't see several people wearing the same exact pieces that I have. Personally, I do not like to wear or purchase pieces that are extremely accessible. I like possessing rare clothing, and thrifting helps me to accomplish that. Also, vintage pieces hold history. I am fascinated in wonderment about who made the item, in what places has it been, and who was it's original owner.I prefer not to spend a lot of money on quality clothing. Sometimes it is necessary, because I appreciate certain fits and cuts in my clothing, and at times that cannot be obtained on the cheap. But there are times when it is not necessary, and I can obtain the premium quality that I am looking for outside of high end retail stores. Additionally, as I mentioned previously, I prefer rare/hard to find clothing items.I am thrilled by the hunt. In what way? Well, it is almost like a sport for me. I enjoy walking into a thrift store, sifting through what may seem to be piles of refuse, and finding a rare piece in the midst. It could be vintage, it could be brand new, it could be custom made. For one reason or another, it stands out to me as outstanding, and I feel a sense of victory in obtaining it-LOL!For these reasons, and more, no matter what, I truly am a thrift store shopper for life.On to today's Thrift Store Score:

This outfit is a Thrift Store Score as the entire ensemble (hat, blouse,skirt, shoes) cost less than $20.00!

Not only does the price make it outstanding, as I also appreciate the style, and durability of each piece.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Hey there! I hope this post finds you all doing well. I'm doing well, enjoying the warm up we are currently in. It's been a tad nippy for the past couple of weeks, like last week when I wore this outfit. I say nippy, because much of the country has been in a deep freeze and I can hardly call 50 degrees cold in comparison, although it feels frigid to my thinned out blood. The bitter cold of Michigan almost seems like something I once dreamed about, rather than experienced 30+ years of my life.

The sun had almost gone down, and that produced a pretty cool/filter-like effect.

We stopped at an abandoned construction site, and I had to stand exactly in one spot so that the sun would hit me at the right angle, and to avoid (somewhat) blurred photos.

As you can see, I'm in quite a predicament- LOL!

I brought along one of my favorite vintage coats for the cool air that would come once the sun dropped.

I scored this red wool number (without the buttons), mink collar in tact, for....get ready....$0.25!!!!! Yes, a quarter, USD! One of the local thrift shops in Michigan does a 4/$1.00 special on Sundays. I imagine this made the list because it didn't have buttons. Well, I had another vintage jacket at home that had these gorgeous buttons. I liked the buttons more than the actual jacket, so I clipped them off, and sewed them onto this coat.

Monday, February 10, 2014

My husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary last week. Although I knew we were getting away for a few days, I didn't know where. He told me what the temps would be like so I'd know how to pack. I had a lovely lace dress that I hadn't worn yet, so I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity for it to make its grand debut.

Of course, cooler temperatures provided the perfect excuse to pull out vintage fur as well =)

This hat used to have netting on it, but sadly it only lasted a short while. It was in very delicate condition when I purchased it, and then I tore it. I might look into having it replaced.

For jewelry I opted on chandelier styled rhinestone earrings and a faux pearl bracelet.

I love the style of this dress, because it can be dressed up or down. Versatility is the name of my game!

An added bonus: It has pockets ;)

I had such a good time that I didn't think to take any photos until the end of the night.

Oh, I also debuted a new Spanx all over tube style slip. I think I may have gotten it too large in size, because it did not provide the type of control that I was hoping for-LOL!

Friday, February 7, 2014

It's Friday! What are your plans for the weekend? We just returned from our anniversary celebration (outfit post coming next week)! I'm looking forward to getting some rest, which I never seem to get enough of.

Today's post features mixed prints, one bold and one subtle.

I am really taken by the practice of mixing prints that don't necessarily match.

I dig through my closet regularly, searching for new print combinations that I haven't previously considered.

In cooler temperatures, I think I'd like to pair this combo with a bright colored coat.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

This color reminds me of the bright colored outer peel of a tangerine. I love bright colors, as you can see throughout this blog. There's something about them that feels so me. I've worn this skirt before, but the silk blouse is a recent addition from the thrift shop. It has a boxy shape, and is a bit large on me, so I modified it with a front tie-up.

Usually I wear a pair of orange shoes with this skirt, but this time I tried it with nude pumps.

Although I work in a very conservative environment, I wore this look to the office.